Visibility of pharyngeal structures as a predictor of difficult intubation

Abstract

Visibility of pharyngeal structures as a predictor of difficult intubation Page 1 Correspondence 1115 Visibility of pharyngeal structures as a predictor of difficult intubation We would like to comment on the study by Samsoon and Young (Anuesihesh 1987; 42: 487-90) since we also have experience with the test which forms the basis of their report. Mallampati’s test scores the visibility of pharyngcal structures (faucial pillars, soft palate and uvula) in an attempt to predict difficult tracheal intubation. Three of us used this test as part of a pre-operative asscssmcnt in a study about tracheal intubation. Sainsoon and Young did not make it clear in their paper hut thcy did not make the assessment in the way described by Mallampati. We also chosc to examine our patients with ‘the head in the neutral position’ and the observer sitting ‘opposite at eye level’. We graded paticiits class 1 to 3 as originally described because Mallampati